We live in a world where all are offered the same basic educational opportunities. There are other educational opportunities available, but at additional costs. These options are usually afforded to students of Parents of means (money) and race (in this case Caucasian). In most cases these Parents of means and race congregate together in specific communities. The schools in these communities obviously reflect this demographic makeup. Because the community is more affluent the educational system can be better and afford the children in it better opportunities. This practice though not illegal, does tend to separate students of different races and means. For example, if you look at a school district where the majority of the school’s population is of a certain race, you can safely assume that the town is made up of the same demographic breakdown.
Our students though multicultural, primarily speak or are learning a specific language; in this case it is called English. Attending school is required by the Federal Government. The education of the students starts at age 5 and continues until the child has completed 13 years of schooling or reaches the age of eighteen, whichever comes first. The public school system is responsible for teaching the vast majority of students (86%). There are additional schooling options available to students. Private schools or Parochial (religious based) schools which parents can pay additional funds to send their children to. They can also be taught at home, most commonly by the parents. The numbers who attend these types of schools are small (roughly 14%). All public schools are not created equal though. The quality of the school and what is taught is determined by the community at large. As stated above, parents of means naturally congregate together therefore in most cases afford their children a better educational experience. Once the student finishes the pre-requisite schooling they may attend a school of higher learning. They may choose the focus of this higher education but are required to pay additional funds, which can be costly. Again money is a large factor.
Unlike our students, our teachers are less culturally diverse. Because of gender based stereotypes many men shun educating their children, thus the majority of our teachers are females. They are experienced and well educated. Most of them have advanced degrees. Schools in the above mentioned “communities of means” have more qualified teachers than communities of lesser means. Again the point is stressed that the community is the primary indicator the racial makeup and quality of education.
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6 comments:
From the Martian review board:
If racial and economic segregation are so synergetic, wouldn't policy to resolve economic equality work simultaneously towards racial diversification across your country? Is this simply too close to what they call in your language "socialism" to meet with any wide spread approval?
You brought up a point that made me think of something, do you think the students parents should have to pay if they want to persue other educational opportunities? If a student is gifted or talented in a specific area, then they should be able to persue it. By making them have to pay for it, their talent could go to waste because the family has to fork over their own money, or they might not be financially stable to send their child there. We are paying enough in taxes that it should be funded by the government.
I am a firm believer in that a child regardless of his or her financial status should always be offered the opportunity to better themselves. Further it is the job, no the obligation; of the federal government to offer the best education money can buy. It will ultimately benefit the populace and the country as a whole.
I have a question for my colleagues. Would you care for or adopt a child outside of your enthnicity? As we discuss that challenges in the current educational climate I think it is important that we ourselves do a littel soul searching. I am not trying to "call out" anyone but simply prove a point. I truly believe that because of our chosen professional pursuit that we as a group are more opened minded that most, we have to be. But this brings about my question if we truly believe that we see only students and not students of a racial group can you honestly say to yourself that yes I would care for/adopt a child outside of my race? Again this is ultimately an excercise in trying to establish the challenges we face as educators. There are many kind hearted people out there but where is the line drawn? Will most ultimately stick with there own? One of the big reasons I bring this up is the recent trend for "celebrities" to adopt children from a different race, but amazingly from a different Country !!! As if there are no needy adoptable children in the USA! It makes me suspect of them. Is this simply a twited publicity stunt? I understand that many will view this as a simplistic view of this situation, but in my opinion it is simple. If you truly want to help a disadvantaged child (the large majority of them in the US are African American)you need only look in your own country! Anyway I would like feedback from you my classmates.
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